Do I Have a Choice?

"Hey Ed hows it going !! ...just would like to get an " answer " if you will. If we ( times employees - pressroom personal )have been getting hammered shortchanged ( not including Mtg) and you see that not having a Union is the " answer " ...just what is YOURanswer ( please explain ) If you have one"

The Los Angeles Times Pressrooms have not had a union contract since 1968, since then there have been many attempts at organizing the workers, and even five union votes. The employees have soundly defeated all union votes.

Before an election can be held, pledge cards must be signed, and we have had upwards of sixty to sixty-five percent sign the cards. But when it comes time to vote, the union is lucky to gain thirty percent of employees favor with a yes vote.

Sure I would like to have what every executive has, a contract, but this is not going to happen, especially at the Los Angeles Times. We witnessed what the Tribune will do if you threaten a slowdown or strike, bring in workers from their other newspapers. This put a stop to the possible strike at the Baltimore Sun a few short years ago. How many employees would risk losing their livelihood by striking today?

Remember the strike at the market chains, which lasted for many months in Southern California two years ago? What did the employees gain through their strike, and what have they lost?

And some of us remember when the San Fernando Daily News was sold, their union contract was voided, and everyone had to reapply for their jobs. With the Tribune stock at an all time low, the possibility of the newspaper being sold increases, so if a union vote were won, would the new owners of the Los Angeles Times honor a contract?

The men and women of the Los Angeles Times have spoken, through their voting, that they do not want a union at the newspaper. Even though many will sign pledge cards, just to keep the peace and not be ridiculed by individuals that want a union.

As for having answers to alternatives to a union, I do not have any solutions, but am open to new and fresh ideas from my co-workers.

When the time comes that I am asked to sign a union pledge card, I will be declining at that time. But will have no ill feelings for those that choose to sign a pledge card.

Eddie